Why college IT systems are prime cyber-attack targets and how to protect them beyond passwords

Cybersecurity is a growing concern, especially for Further Education (FE) institutions. Colleges and universities store a lot of sensitive data – student records, staff details, even research findings – making them prime targets for cyberattacks. And it’s not just about data theft anymore. These attacks can shut down entire systems, causing chaos for students, staff, and daily operations.

Why are college IT systems prime targets?

FE institutions are sitting on a goldmine of valuable information. Hackers can exploit personal data, payroll details, or even research findings – whether they want to hold it for ransom or sell it on the dark web. The problem is that many colleges still use outdated systems, making them even more vulnerable.

The shift to remote learning and increased reliance on online platforms have also given cybercriminals more ways to find and exploit weak spots. On average, 88% of cyberattacks are due to human error, often because people aren’t trained on how to detect potential threats. Colleges and FE institutions may spend millions on cybersecurity infrastructure, but without investing in training, even the strongest security measures can be rendered ineffective. All it takes is one person falling for a phishing email for hackers to bypass all the security.

In fact, 86% of Further Education colleges identified a breach or attack in the past year, demonstrating the widespread nature of the problem. To add to this, 2023 saw a 72% increase in data breaches compared to 2021, highlighting a sharp rise in cyber threats targeting educational institutions.

Four cyber threats facing FE institutions

Here are some of the biggest cyber threats colleges are up against:

1. Phishing scams – these emails look legitimate but are designed to trick staff or students into sharing sensitive information or clicking harmful links.
2. Ransomware – hackers lock down entire systems and demand payment to unlock them. This has already caused massive disruptions and financial damage for some institutions.
3. Data breaches – when hackers steal personal information, it can damage the institution’s reputation and lead to hefty penalties under GDPR.
4. DDoS attacks – distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks flood networks with fake traffic, crashing systems and disrupting key services like exams or online enrolment.

Protecting your college beyond passwords

So, what can colleges do to protect themselves from these unseen threats? It’s clear that relying on strong passwords isn’t enough anymore. But what is enough? Here are five strategies every FE institution should be thinking about:

1. Regular security audits – Regular check-ups on your system help spot weaknesses before hackers do.
2. Education and awareness: Cybersecurity isn’t just the IT department’s job. Everyone, from staff to students, needs to know how to spot phishing scams and keep their accounts secure.
3. Incident response plans – Having a solid response plan in place can help contain and recover from an attack quickly, minimising damage.
4. Continuous monitoring – Real-time monitoring tools can detect potential threats early, so institutions can act fast before things get out of hand.
5. Regulatory compliance – Following regulations like GDPR not only protects sensitive data but also helps avoid fines and builds trust with students and staff.

Why it matters

Cyberattacks are becoming more frequent and sophisticated, and colleges are in the crosshairs. Investing in strong cybersecurity strategies now can help colleges safeguard sensitive data, avoid costly disruptions, and maintain trust with their students and staff. Acting before a crisis hits will save a lot of trouble down the line.

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